Updating post from Reddit.
Looking for some guidance here because I've tried and tried with the agent and the previous agent before they we're bought, to prompt the landlord to action required repairs but nothing has been done since first reporting it in September 2022.
Water ingress in an upstairs bedroom has caused the internal walls to crumble, compromising the structural integrity of the window as its now loose. This has caused mould to form, as well as severe draft, rendering the bedroom unusable, plus, the window doesn't even open, It's locked and I've never been provided with a key, the same with several other windows at the property.
I've contacted the agent several times over the past 2 years about this and had several maintenance visits to check it out but nothing has ever been done.
I've got a record of every instance of reporting this since it was first reported via emails.
I have no direct communication with the landlord, and almost every instance of repair reporting has gone unactioned.
You want your local council, they'll have a private renting team. Contact them, give them all the evidence and they'll contact the agents and give them a timeframe to get the work done.
Speak to the housing team at the council, provide them with any evidence that you have been chasing this for years.
Livable spaces should have opening windows for ventilation unless mechanical ventilation is available, so highlight this as well.
It's also for escape in the event of a fire. The fire brigade may be more interested as I believe they also have an enforcement role or at least will be taken seriously by the council.
Formally request your landlords details from your property management company. They legally have to supply this on request.
Once you have their contact details then write a letter to your landlord explaining this and that your concerned the agent is allowing structural damage to their property.
Your landlord probably has never been informed and expects all is well. Agencies are useless and don't care in my experience but owners generally do care if it will cost them dearly in the future.
Don't let the agent fob you off with not supplying owners details. Remind them it's their legal responsibility to supply this information to you and if they haven't in 14 days then you will contact citizens advice for next steps.
Don't bother with that, contact the council and request an HHSRS inspection. The council will contact your agent and landlord, inspect the property and then issue either informal work schedules or notices as they seem fit. These will have actionable time frames and potential fines.
I know exactly how you feel I have the same issue, and the same timeframe, except I’ve had no investigation and I’ve been ghosted by the landlord. I asked the council to help with enforcement and they were useless, so now I don’t know what to do either 🤷♀️
Get three quotes for the work and advise the landlord that you will proceed with the essential works in 28 days, deducting the cost from rent payments.
You do not have the right to stop paying rent because your landlord won’t do repairs. Always think carefully before withholding rent.
It is possible to do repairs yourself but it is risky and have to follow a long procedure.
Yep. That is the procedure.